891's Bowser Busters - Under Pressure

Would you keep better eyes on your tyre pressure if you found out could save you 10% of your fuel?

According to a study commissioned by tyre manufacturer Goodyear, a tyre under-inflated by 20% increases fuel consumption by 10% and decreases the life of a tyre by 15%.

Whilst most vehicles have inflation guides either inside the drivers side door frame or in the glove box, or even on the inside of the fuel cap cover, (check manuals for exact locations) most tyres will also have a recommended maximum inflation pressure on the wall or side of the tyre.

Many recommend that due to the variation in some of the compressors and gauges at petrol stations, due to varying maintenance on the pumps, a personal gauge to double check the pressure is a worthwhile investment.

John Fraser, a former Vice President of the Australian College of Road Safety, former President of the Road Safety Educators Association (Qld) and current Director of John Fraser Fleet and Driver Consultancy, says running tyres at their recommended pressures can save drivers substantial amounts in running costs.

"If you run 35 psi, versus someone who runs on 25-26 pounds mark, you can save, or it was, about $6 per tank of petrol ... and we actually did some back to back testing on that ... and that was before the recent fuel price rises."

John also recommends that you become friends with your local tyre dealer, who will be able to tell you the manufacturer's recommended tyre pressure.

"The tyre manufacturing people are generally a wealth of good information that nobody takes account of unfortunately."